Chest osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine in which the location of the spine becomes unnatural, the intervertebral disc degenerates, resulting in a decrease in its height. Osteochondrosis of the chest is less common than that of the neck or lower back. It has to do with anatomy. In the central part, the spine is stable and durable, in addition, it is less sensitive to stress, less mobile, less prone to spinal disc injury conditions.
The risk group for this disease includes older people and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. However, the pathology is increasingly being diagnosed in adults and the number of cases is increasing dramatically between the ages of 30-35.
Classification of thoracic osteochondrosis
The disease is classified according to the syndromic principle. Damaged areas of the spine negatively affect nerve formations.
Localization distinguishes such forms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine:
- Compression syndrome (development associated with nerve root strain, deformity, or compression; areas of the spinal cord or blood vessels may be damaged; resulting in spinal, vascular, or radicular syndromes);
- Reflex syndrome (effect occurs reflexively, innervation muscle tension; dystrophic and vascular disorders);
- Myoadaptive syndrome (damage to the muscles of the chest segment due to constant overload).
Etiology of osteochondrosis of the chest region
Causes of osteochondrosis of the chest are low physical activity, spinal cord injuries, heavy physical activity, metabolic disorders, excess weight, weak immunity, frequent colds, infections, smoking, stress. In women, among other things, the development of the disease can be caused by high-heeled walking and carrying a child.
In addition, the causes of osteochondrosis of the breast are:
- Poorly distributed load on intervertebral discs;
- Degenerative changes in intervertebral disc tissues;
- Lack of minimal physical activity;
- Scoliosis;
- Permanent abnormal position of the spine in a sitting position.
Pathogenesis of the disease
Minor discomfort, muscle tension, and "tolerable" pain when breathing and tilting are early signs of osteochondrosis of the chest. People usually seek medical attention when the pain becomes severe and does not allow them to live normally. , Dystrophic changes lead to limited patient mobility and even disability.
Clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis
Symptoms of breast osteochondrosis have different manifestations depending on the localization of the process. Moreover, the disease skillfully "adapts" to other problems.
The most typical symptoms of chest osteochondrosis:
- Pain in the interstitial area;
- Chest discomfort;
- Headaches and heart pain;
- Pain when bending;
- Traffic restriction;
- Tingling sensation in the neck, abdomen, chest and hands;
- Dizziness, tinnitus, flickering flies in front of eyes;
- Pain sensations that increase during inhalation.
With the progression of the pathology, the symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are accompanied by decreased sensitivity, impaired motor function, and muscle atrophy.
Peculiarities of the course of osteochondrosis of the breast during pregnancy
The development of pain during pregnancy is associated with weight gain. At the same time, shifting the center of gravity changes posture. Low physical activity combined with a sedentary lifestyle leads to impaired disc elasticity. An increase in pressure in the chest area causes pain. Osteochondrosis of the chest region during pregnancy is treated mainly without the use of specialized drugs, as they can harm the health of the fetus. That is why Kuznetsov applicators, massages and special exercises are used.
Peculiarities of the disease in children
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can be detected in 8 to 17 year olds. The unprepared spine undergoes abnormal changes during heavy loading. After correct diagnosis, treatment begins. Usually, the treatment process started in time during this period leads to excellent results. It is necessary to strengthen the muscles, improve the condition of the cartilage and conduct physiotherapy.
Complications of pathology
Most patients with thoracic osteochondrosis try to delay treatment, which in turn leads to significant complications.
Outcomes of Chest Osteochondrosis:
- Interstitial hernia formation
- Spinal cord injury
- The appearance of hypertension
- Risk of stroke and heart attack
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of thoracic osteochondrosis, including differential, includes:
- Digital radiography;
- ECG;
- Ultrasound of the heart, kidneys and abdominal organs;
- CT.
The doctor will take an accurate picture on an x-ray where he will see the growth of the vertebral body and the movement of the discs. Chest osteochondrosis, characterized by symptoms similar to other diseases, requires a differential diagnosis with spinal cord injuries, tumors and spinal cord tumors, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, coxarthrosis, and a number of other conditions.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis involves the use of complex therapy aimed at stopping and preventing further destruction of the discs or restoring their structure, improving the biomechanics of the spine, and eliminating disorders of the central nervous system.
The first thing to start treatment is to relieve pain and inflammation through medication therapy.
The following groups of drugs are recommended for the patient:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Glucocorticosteroids;
- Diuretics;
- Chondroprotectors.
When the pain subsides, they move on to the next stage of treatment for chest osteochondrosis. Therapeutic massage course, acupuncture, physiotherapy exercises are prescribed. Physiotherapy is also very effective. If indicated, manual therapy may be recommended.
Treatment control
Recovery is supervised by a family doctor or specialist who monitors the patient during the course of the disease. The absence of recurrences during the year indicates the normalization of the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
Prevention
Prevention of chest osteochondrosis requires the following rules:
- Posture control;
- Work hygiene (control of hand position, presence of a chair with a flat high back);
- Break every 2 hours for specific exercises;
- Sleep on a hard surface;
- Absence of irregular physical activity (including carrying heavy loads);
- Wearing a backpack instead of a one-shoulder bag;
- Regular Exercise Therapy Classes.
Tips and tricks
Chest osteochondrosis requires long-term rehabilitation. Moderate physical activity is recommended to strengthen the spinal muscles and reduce spinal stress. In addition, physiotherapy gradually reduces pain.
Also, with exercise therapy and sports, the following tasks are performed:
- Decompression of the nerve endings of the spine;
- Establishing a correct posture stereotype;
- Giving the spine elasticity;
- Improved blood circulation;
- Normalization of intervertebral disc metabolism.
This article is for informational purposes only. Remember: Self-medication can be detrimental to your health.